MQM continues to deny arrest of Altaf Hussain

KARACHI/LONDON- Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) has continued to deny arrest of its chief Altaf Hussain today in London on charges of money laundering. MQM Leader Nadeem Nusrat rebuffed news reports about arrest of party chief Altaf Hussain. Addressing journalists via telephone from London, MQM’s Nadeem Nusrat said that Hussain was at his residence and in touch with Nusrat. He said, the news reports about Hussain’s arrest had created unrest and outrage among party workers and Pakistanis around the globe. Nusrat advised all party members inside and outside Pakistan to control their emotions and not do anything that may go against the teachings of their leader. Nusrat insisted that Hussain was not under arrest but at home. He told journalists that Mr. Hussain was still at his London residence and was in constant contact with the party office in British capital. Nadeem Nusrat said, Altaf Hussain enjoys great respect and reverence by democratic forces and the party workers. Nadeem, confirming the arrival of Scotland Yard police at Altaf’s home in northwest London, told media that the police officials visited party chief to record statement for further legal process. The London Metropolitan police confirmed that a 60-year-old man had been arrested from a North-West London property on charges of money-laundering, but they declined to disclose the exact identity for "legal reasons." The police said a Specialist Operations unit was currently carrying out a search operation at the property in NorthWest London. Moreover, a spokesman for the British High Commission said that the UK's consulate in Karachi had been temporarily closed down.